The Yockanookany section of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail is closed to equestrian use effective immediately, due to safety concerns with trail bridges and boardwalks. The trail will remain open to pedestrians.
Full details →+2 more active alerts
Expert Verdict & Insider Tips
For anyone traveling through Alabama and Mississippi and Tennessee, Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail provides a refreshing and educational outdoor adventure. This national scenic trail is highly recommended for visitors who want to learn about the area's heritage while enjoying scenic trails and local wildlife.
About Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail
Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail is a national scenic trail located in Alabama and Mississippi and Tennessee. Mississippi, Alabama, and most of Tennessee are classified as humid subtropical climates. The weather ranges from mild winters to hot summers. Average high temperatures reach into the high 80's in summer, and into the high 40's in winter. Thunderstorms are common in Mississippi, especially in the southern part of the state, and from June through November, the state is occasionally affected by hurricanes moving north from the Gulf of Mexico. Check local forecasts to plan your trip.
Directions to the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail vary greatly depending on what section you are trying to reach. For specific questions concerning how to get to a certain section or trail head of the National Scenic Trail, please call the Visitor Center at 1-800-305-7417.
💰 Entrance Fees & Passes
Entry to Natchez Trace is completely free. There are no general entrance fees or vehicle passes required to access this park unit.
🥾 Things to Do
Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Hiking, Horse Trekking, Horseback Riding, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
📦 Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at Natchez Trace
📋 Visitor Planning Tips for Natchez Trace
- →Beat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Natchez Trace before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- →Monitor Active Alerts: There are currently 3 active alerts for Natchez Trace. Keep an eye on the alert notifications at the top of this guide for crucial information regarding closures or safety issues.
- →Leave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of Natchez Trace. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
The Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail is five sections of hiking trail running roughly parallel to the 444-mile long Natchez Trace Parkway scenic motor road. The foot trails total more than 60 miles and offer opportunities to explore wetlands, swamps, hardwood forest, and the history of the area.
Seasonal Visitor Guides
Frequently Asked Questions about Natchez Trace
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
More Parks Nearby
Birmingham Civil Rights
In 1963, images of snarling police dogs unleashed against non-violent protesters and of children being sprayed with high-pressure hoses appeared…
Freedom Riders
Little River Canyon
Little River is unique because it flows for most of its length atop Lookout Mountain in northeast Alabama. Forested uplands,…
Selma To Montgomery
Established by Congress in 1996, the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail commemorates the people, events, and route of the…
Tuskegee Institute
In 1881, Booker T. Washington arrived in Alabama and started building Tuskegee Institute both in reputation and literally brick by…
Tuskegee Airmen
Before the first African American military pilots became known as the "Red Tails" they wore striped tails as they began…